Canandaigua Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canandaigua Lake |
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 Canandaigua Lake
Location in New York
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| Location | Ontario / Yates counties, New York, United States |
| Group | Finger Lakes |
| Coordinates | 42°45′24″N 77°19′04″W / 42.75667°N 77.31778°W |
| Type | Ground Moraine |
| Primary inflows | West River |
| Primary outflows | Canandaigua Outlet |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 16 mi (26 km) |
| Max. width | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) |
| Surface area | 10,750 acres (43.5 km2) |
| Average depth | 127 ft (39 m) |
| Max. depth | 276 ft (84 m) |
| Water volume | .39 cu mi (1.6 km3) |
| Shore length1 | 36 mi (58 km) |
| Surface elevation | 688 ft (210 m) |
| Islands | Squaw Island |
| Settlements | Canandaigua, Naples |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Canandaigua Lake is one of the amazing Finger Lakes in New York, USA. It's the fourth largest of these long, narrow lakes. The city of Canandaigua is at its northern end. The village of Naples is a few miles south of the lake's southern tip. This lake is the most western of the main Finger Lakes.
The name "Canandaigua" comes from the Seneca people. It means "the chosen spot" or "at the chosen town." This shows how special the lake was to the Native Americans who lived there.
Contents
Discover Canandaigua Lake: Size and Features
Canandaigua Lake is about 15.5 miles (24.9 km) long. It is also about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) wide. The shoreline stretches for about 35.9 miles (57.8 km). Much of the land around the lake is covered by forests. The rest is used for farming.
Most of the lake's shoreline is private property. Only a small part, about 1.2 miles (1.9 km), is open to the public.
Why is Canandaigua Lake's Water So Clean?
Canandaigua Lake is famous for its excellent water quality. It is the only source of drinking water for the city and town of Canandaigua. Several other communities also get their water from this lake.
In 2013 and 2017, the lake's drinking water won an award. It was voted the best drinking water in New York State. The water is very clear, so you can often see the bottom up to 30 to 50 feet (9.1 to 15.2 m) deep. Fish can live comfortably in both shallow and deep parts of the lake.
Explore Squaw Island: A Tiny Treasure
Squaw Island is a small island at the north end of Canandaigua Lake. It is one of only two islands in all eleven Finger Lakes. It is also the smallest Fish and Wildlife Management Area in New York State.
The History of Squaw Island
The Seneca have a special memory of this island. They say it was used to hide Seneca women and children in 1779. This was during a time of conflict called the Sullivan Expedition.
Unique Rocks on Squaw Island
The island has a very rare type of rock. It is made of lime deposits that form on pebbles. This rock is called "water biscuits" by local people. It feels light and feathery when it's in the water. But if it dries out, it crumbles easily.
Protecting Squaw Island
Squaw Island has been shrinking over the years. Ice, wind, and water currents have caused it to erode. In 1853, it was about two acres (0.81 ha) big. By 1971, it had shrunk to only about 0.25 acres (0.10 ha).
To help protect it, a cedar log buffer was put around the island in 1977. A group called the Squaw Island Preservation Society has also worked to save the island. They completed preservation work in 2001.
History of Transportation and Treaties
The first steamboat in the Finger Lakes region was launched in 1825. On Canandaigua Lake, steamboat service began in 1827. It continued until 1935. Fourteen large boats once carried people on the lake.
Today, you can still enjoy a ride on the Canandaigua Lady. This boat is a replica of a 19th-century double-decked paddleboat. It keeps the old tradition alive.
The Treaty of Canandaigua
An important event happened just north of the lake. Native Americans and white settlers signed the Treaty of Canandaigua there. This historic document is now in the Memorial Museum. It has the names of famous Native American chiefs like Red Jacket and Cornplanter.
Fun Things to Do Around Canandaigua Lake
Canandaigua Lake is a popular place for families to visit. Many people from nearby Rochester, New York have second homes here.
- Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park: This park is in the city of Canandaigua. It has a boat launch for powerboats. You can also go fishing here from May to mid-October.
- Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park: This beautiful park is near the north end of the lake. It has lovely gardens and a historic mansion to explore.
- Scenic Drives: Take County Road 12 into Naples at the south end of the lake. It offers amazing views, especially in the fall. There is also a new South Bristol Overlook.
- Canandaigua Wine Trail: This trail connects many local wineries, breweries, and other attractions. You can find places to stay, shops, and restaurants around the lake.
- Cruises on the Canandaigua Lady: Enjoy a ride on the double-decker paddle wheel boat, the Canandaigua Lady. It offers public cruises from May through October.
Fishing in Canandaigua Lake
Fishing is very popular in Canandaigua Lake. The lake is home to many different types of fish:
- Salmonids: These include lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout.
- Bass: You can find largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
- Other Fish: Chain pickerel and various panfish like yellow perch, blue gills, and rock bass are also present.
- Carp: These fish can be found near public access points and stream beds.
- Mudpuppies: Sometimes, fishermen hook mudpuppies. These are large salamanders that live only underwater. They can grow up to 16 inches (41 cm) long.
There are four public access points on Canandaigua Lake. Five marinas around the lake offer boat storage, sales, rentals, and access.
Images for kids
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Skenoh Island from Canandaigua City Pier
